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A Tuscan Dream

A Tuscan Dream

If what you dream of in a Tuscan holiday is a view of Tuscan cypresses and olive groves, ancient monuments, historic hill towns and the scent of rosemary, birdsong and tranquillity, then La Faina our cottage can offer it all. From the centre of the old town of Cortona a short 20 min walk along narrow lanes bordered with olive trees and wild flowers will bring you to this charming stone guest house. The entire property which comprises the main house and La Faina sits high on a hillside alongside the 16th C stone tower known as Il Palazzone. I am English and have lived in Italy for many years and on hand to give you advice and yet leave you as much privacy as you wish. La Faina, the Italian name for a Beech Martin, is set apart from the main house with its own separate entrance and garden. A lovely mature vine covered terrace leads from the kitchen and is a perfect spot to enjoy for enjoying a sunny breakfast. The railway station for Rome and Florence is 10 mins away.

Overview

If what you dream of in a Tuscan holiday is a view of Tuscan cypresses and olive groves, ancient monuments, historic hill towns and the scent of rosemary, birdsong and tranquillity, then La Faina our cottage can offer it all. From the centre of the old town of Cortona a short 20 min walk along narrow lanes bordered with olive trees and wild flowers will bring you to this charming stone guest house. The entire property which comprises the main house and La Faina sits high on a hillside alongside the 16th C stone tower known as Il Palazzone. I am English and have lived in Italy for many years and on hand to give you advice and yet leave you as much privacy as you wish. La Faina, the Italian name for a Beech Martin, is set apart from the main house with its own separate entrance and garden. A lovely mature vine covered terrace leads from the kitchen and is a perfect spot to enjoy for enjoying a sunny breakfast. The railway station for Rome and Florence is 10 mins away.

Guestbook comments from the owner

When we chose Tuscany for our hols this year we already had our dreams and vision. However, having spent two weeks actually here in ' La Faina' and Cortona our dreams and vision did not come close to the spectacular time we have spent here. The cottage is the most wonderful retreat to ' step off the world' and totally indulge in the peacefulness that surrounds one. Cortona is a fantastic town with such a maze of little streets to explore. With our greatest thanks and very fond memories. Karen and Keith. September 2010.

We have had a wonderful time here at La Faina and found it very relaxing. We've loved the pool and watching many a beautiful sunset. Your knowledge about the area was vey helpful. A beautiful cottage in the most beautiful locatiion. Thank you Tom and Katy August 2010.

Notes on accommodation: There is a wood stove for heating the rooms. Outside: There is a vine covered terrace with a large table for outside eating. This overlooks the garden. There are 2 sunbeds The private pool (8x4m) is situated on the terrace behind the cottage. Cleaning / Towels / Linen / Maid service: Towels and linen included. The property is cleaned once per week when linen and towels are changed.

Reviews

Excellent!4.5/5 -

(8 traveller reviews)

One of my favourite places in the world

Another fabulous stay at La Faina. You're lucky if you've stumbled across this cottage - there are so few options in Tuscany for couples wanting to rent something private, self-contained with your own pool. Perfect location on the hillside with amazing views, but also walking distance into Cortona so you can go out to lunch/dinner and wander back. Also great for visiting either Umbria or Tuscany. But I never tire of some of the sites of Cortona itself - San Niccolo near the top is a hidden gem, the Fra Angelico in the museum Diocesano exquisite, or you could just drink Prosecco sitting outside Bar Sport (highly recommended). Fantastic walking in the hills above Cortona too, with some good hiking trails now well-marked. And the cottage is wonderful - simple, charming, comfortable. I can't recommend it enough, except that I don't want other people to stay there!

La Faina - A Dream location

La Faina is the perfect Tuscan getaway for two. It was everything and more than we could dream of. The cottage is beautiful and homely with a private stunning swimming pool - this is unique as we have never before found a place for two people that has its own pool, and what a pool with the best views in Cortona. Douglas who owns this stunning property is nearby for any help and advice, while never encroaching on your privacy. It is perfectly situated for trips to towns in both Tuscany and Umbria and only a short walk into Cortona, which has everything you will need (cafes, restaurants and food stalls) and is one of the most beautiful towns in the area. This is the best holiday we have ever had in Italy and that is down to La Faina, so we have booked again for next year, as I know I will never match a place like this.

Perfect Tuscan Getaway

La Faina was idyllic - the perfect place for our honeymoon. We had a wonderful 10 days popping into Cortona (where there is lots to see, do and eat!), visiting some beautiful places in south east Tuscany and idling about the very private cottage and pool. It really was very peaceful and personal. Douglas is also the most lovely host, explaining the history of the area and kindly arranging things for us when our limited knowledge of Italian wasn't quite up to the job!

This place is a gem in an already very special part of the world - we would love to come visit again!

Relaxing and beautiful

This is the 3rd time we have stayed at La Faina and have enjoyed the charms of this lovely cottage with its great pool, the beautiful surrounding area and the special welcome from the owner, Douglas. We love it and find within a few hours of arriving we are starting to relax and by the time we leave for home we are ready to face the world again! It is perfect for couples who like to relax/read/sunbathe by the pool, enjoying the gorgeous view, but like to wander into fantastic etruscan hill-top town Cortona - a short distance away, with its many excellent restaurants, shops and, the best cocktail/wine-bar we have found on our travels/or at home! The location is an excellent base if you want to discover the delights of Tuscany and Umbria - just perfect!

A Charming Little Gem

We had a delightful week at La Faina. Genteel and comfortable, rather than glitzy luxury, suited us well. The rambling gardens around the cottage are wonderfully relaxing, and the beautiful walks (you can choose several lovely routes- the road with amazing views of the valley and town , or up through the olive groves) were great. We very easily spent a week walking into town for lovely meals, exploring the museums and countless churches, and swimming. The views from the pool are stunning. Although the owners house is close by, it feels very private.

After thoroughly exploring Cortona , we felt that we had the best house in the area!

Perfect little holiday hideaway

Just returned from our third trip to La Faina - each time we've stayed longer, and each time it just gets better. It honestly feels like home now. It is perfectly located - combining countryside seclusion with the benefit of being able to walk into the beautiful town of Cortona for coffee/supper/lunch and more wine as needed.

Sitting outside on the terrace enjoying long lazy lunches before a late afternoon swim is heaven. And the newly varnished terrace table and leather upholstered chairs are very smart indeed! The pool has amazing views over Valdichiana, and there are stunning walks all around the surrounding area. The whole place is simply perfect, whether you want to chill out watching the butterflies and doze under a tree, or adventure all over Tuscany and Umbria.

The owner Douglas is a fount of knowledge and recommendations about the local area (always spot on), and he's always happy to offer advice if you need, or respect your privacy if you don't. The cottage itself has lots of style and character - lovely beams and terracotta tile floors, and a big comfy sofa if you're unlucky to have rain. We hope to return many more times.

There are many good restaurants in Cortona, providing a wide variety of Tuscan fare at modest prices. In Cortona there are also general provision stores and butchers.

The nearest large supermarket is 15 min away. Internet points and several banks with Atm’s are also available. Cortona boasts a major Etruscan museum and an art gallery with world famous pictures by Cortona painters.

The nearest large town Arezzo is a gem and is 25km distant. The major Tuscan towns of Siena 40 min. Montepulciana 35 min. Pienza 1 hour.

The Chianti vineyards can be reached in an hour. The great Umbrian towns of Perugia, Assisi and Orvieto are easy to reach and you can see Lake Trasimeno from our olive groves. Cortona is a 30 min walk through our olive groves and along the Parterre which takes you straight to the centre of the town.